FOIA discussion hits on meetings, recordsOfficials with the Arkansas Attorney General's Office spoke to citizens and public employees about Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) laws and the responsibility of government to abide these laws on Thursday at Arkansas Tech University. Much of the discussion centered on technicalities about exemptions, of which there are 23 total, but the gist of the two-hour discussion was that the legislative intent behind FOIA was to make public meetings an...

Plant approved to increase emissions ratesThe Stella Jones Corporation's wood treatment facility on South Arkansas Avenue has increased its emissions rates of carbon monoxide (CO) and nitrogen oxide (NOx) because of a machinery replacement. Arkansas Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ) Communications Coordinator Kelly Robinson said the .4 tons per year increase for CO and NOx emissions does not put the corporation over the limit for maximum emissions allowed. Although both CO an...

Community people: WCAPDDWest Central Arkansas Planning and Development District (WCAPDD) General Improvement Fund grants are given to city and county governments/community groups for community and economic development projects within the House and Senate districts. The 90th Arkansas General Assembly appropriated funding to WCAPDD for the grant program to assist local communities with their community and economic development needs. Pictured are State Rep. Mary Bentley...

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THE COURIER / SubmittedThe Courier Your Messenger For The River Valley

River Valley Rewind (May 11, 2016)Reprinted from a 1971 edition of the Courier Democrat. CONSERVATION VACATION for members of Explorer Unit 224, sponsored by the Russellville Rotary Club, will begin Wednesday. The unit will go to Biloxi, Miss., to spend four days at the Gulf State Marine Research Laboratory. The Explorers will stay at Keesler Air Force Base at Biloxi. Making the trip are, from left: Kneeling - Michael Cannon, Ronnie Simpson, Ronny Lee, Ray Pitts and Kenneth Gu...

Community people: RHS Muse Literacy Magazine programThe Russellville High School Muse Literary Magazine program recently received a grant in the amount of $2,500 from the Wal-Mart Community Giving Program. The RHS Literary Magazine program creates an annual magazine, and this donation will go towards the printing costs for the 2016-17 school year, allowing RHS students to showcase their original artwork, photography and creative writing in a high-quality, prestigious publication. This student p...

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THE COURIER / SubmittedThe Courier Your Messenger For The River Valley

Community people: WCAPDDThe West Central Arkansas Planning and Development District (WCAPDD) General Improvement Fund grants are given to city and county governments/community groups for community and economic development projects within the House and Senate districts. The 90th Arkansas General Assembly appropriated funding to the district for the grant program to assist local communities with their community and economic development needs. Pictured are Senator Greg ...

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THE COURIER / SubmittedThe Courier Your Messenger For The River Valley

Community people: ORR Auto MallDavid Rogers with ORR Auto Mall in Russellville was the guest speaker at the Russellville Kiwanis Club. Rogers gave an overview of the auto industry past, present and future.

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THE COURIER / SubmittedThe Courier Your Messenger For The River Valley

What's bringing in the bucks?We recently asked some area residents this question: What will have a bigger economic impact for Russellville — the convention center or the aquatic center? “The aquatic center is a better investment for the city because it'll help the citizens of Russellville better than a convention center that's for bringing tourism in. I think Russellville and the roads aren't really equipped for a lot of tourism, and I'd rather be taxed for an aquatic cen...

Fuel tanker spills north of HectorA fuel tanker near 18500 State Highway 27 north of Hector flipped on its side Friday morning, causing a fuel spill. The driver was trapped inside, but responding emergency personnel were able to remove the driver, who was then transported to a local hospital for minor injuries. No other injuries were reported. Russellville Fire Department Marshal Richard Setian said his department was first notified of the wreck and spill at 10:43 a.m. A HAZMA...

River Valley Rewind (May 4, 2016)Reprinted from a 1971 edition of the Courier Democrat. VIEWING one of 12 decorated tables Tuesday at a Central Presbyterian Church centennial luncheon sponsored by Circle 3 of United Presbyterian Women are, from left: Mrs. Roland Higgins, Mrs. J. Rankin Baker, Mrs. N.W. Dora and Mrs. Bertha Woker. The church is observing its 100th anniversary this month.

Man gunned down on front lawnATKINS — Emily Johnson applied pressure to the gunshot wound her boyfriend, Bruce Wayne Hurley, 49, suffered at approximately 12:55 a.m. on Monday outside their trailer at 2223 Edwards Road. “All I could do was be there for him and wait on the ambulance,” she said. “Bruce knew I was with him, and I never left his side.” Johnson said Hurley was shot shortly after she saw a car driving slowly down the road outside their residence. Johnson said s...

Fire probe ends amid potential lawsuitOn April 15, the city of Russellville found no wrongdoing in a Human Resources investigation into claims of harassment, intimidation and a hostile work environment within the city’s fire department. “Results of the investigation revealed that there was no hard evidence of misconduct by former Fire Chief John Cochran,” Human Resource Director Tanessa Vaughn’s report stated. “The review also revealed that there haven’t been any formal complaints...

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Travis Simpson and Ryan SmithThe Courier Your Messenger For The River Valley

Community people: Community Christian SchoolCommunity Christian School (CCS) in Russellville recently hosted its annual Faith Run at the Russellville Soccer Complex. This year, CCS partnered with The Call of Pope County who trains, equips and supports foster families. CCS raised $500, which was donated to The Call at their Fine Arts Night.

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THE COURIER / SubmittedThe Courier Your Messenger For The River Valley